Okay - Playing off the last post, this post is a public announcement of my resolutions for 2010. This should keep me honest... right? Here goes...
0. Drink plenty of water and get plenty of sleep!
1. Don't go insane. Yes. Do not dare go crazy. Plan a simple wedding, and go to 3 other weddings. It's simple enough. Just do it. On a related note....
1.5: Enjoy yourself. Enjoy your wedding planning. Enjoy other people's weddings. Dont worry about the small things and yes, money is a small thing (when you think about it).
2. Work on your German. That's right. Even if you have to go and buy a new German textbook, do it. I mean it! You want to apply to PhD programs? Then you need German.
3. Apply for PhD programs (if possible!)
4. Do not buy anything that you do not absolutely need. It should be noted, of course, that some new shirts may be needed to compliment new post as a career advisor. You no longer work at a front desk, so some of your clothes is not professional enough anymore.
5. Work out. This means either paying for that gym membership you think is too expensive or buying those DVD's you have been eying. Maybe someone will get them used on Ebay for you for your bday if you ask nicely? Or... buy them for yourself for your birthday. Seriously.
Okay. I think that will do it. That should keep me on my toes for a while, at least.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
New Years Resolutions - Looking Back
It is nearly time for all of us to start looking back at the year behind us and start anew with all new resolutions for the new year. First, lets begin with the looking back shall we? Last year, I was smart enough (or dumb enough... depending on how you look at it...) to actually write down my resolutions.
1. Run a 5K -- DONE! Hooray! I not only ran one of these babies... I ran 3 of them. I mainly chose this as a resolution just so that I would have something to work towards in regards to my running. Now, one thing that I discovered over the course of training and running is that my family has really bad joints. Yes. And you know what makes them worse? Running. Big surprise. After the last 5K, I stopped running and BOY do my knees feel better! Woohoo! In the end, yes, I stopped doing something good for myself, but I totally nailed my resolution. Booya.
2. Put enough into savings to cover 1 month's rent --- DONE! Double hooray!
3. Pay down my credit card to half its max --- Okay. Shooting for the stars on THIS one. Squank. Big old NO. However, I put my card away so that I wouldn't use it and DID pay it down a decent amount. :)
4. Pay off the bed --- Squank again. This one also has a "however," though. I have it to the point of paying it off in ONE payment (heelloooo tax return!). HAHAHAH! Yesssss.....
That was pretty much it. I mean, I didn't resolve to lose weight (thank goodness... lol) or anything like that, so I feel pretty good about my resolutions.
Things happened over the course of the year that were good and bad and all of them have an effect on the taste that this year leaves in my mouth. Overall, it was a good year. I got engaged, my siblings got engaged, I was approved for a "position reclassification" (aka a promotion) this December, I got to work developing an online course, Peter did well in school and is enjoying his time in school (for the most part), and next year promises to be better.
See my next post for my 2010 resolutions. :)
1. Run a 5K -- DONE! Hooray! I not only ran one of these babies... I ran 3 of them. I mainly chose this as a resolution just so that I would have something to work towards in regards to my running. Now, one thing that I discovered over the course of training and running is that my family has really bad joints. Yes. And you know what makes them worse? Running. Big surprise. After the last 5K, I stopped running and BOY do my knees feel better! Woohoo! In the end, yes, I stopped doing something good for myself, but I totally nailed my resolution. Booya.
2. Put enough into savings to cover 1 month's rent --- DONE! Double hooray!
3. Pay down my credit card to half its max --- Okay. Shooting for the stars on THIS one. Squank. Big old NO. However, I put my card away so that I wouldn't use it and DID pay it down a decent amount. :)
4. Pay off the bed --- Squank again. This one also has a "however," though. I have it to the point of paying it off in ONE payment (heelloooo tax return!). HAHAHAH! Yesssss.....
That was pretty much it. I mean, I didn't resolve to lose weight (thank goodness... lol) or anything like that, so I feel pretty good about my resolutions.
Things happened over the course of the year that were good and bad and all of them have an effect on the taste that this year leaves in my mouth. Overall, it was a good year. I got engaged, my siblings got engaged, I was approved for a "position reclassification" (aka a promotion) this December, I got to work developing an online course, Peter did well in school and is enjoying his time in school (for the most part), and next year promises to be better.
See my next post for my 2010 resolutions. :)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tricks and Treats
Halloween has nearly descended upon us all, and for once, I have no costume. Really. None. I do have, however, silly clothes (i.e. purple and black striped nylons) that I will wear to work. I guess this is what happens when you do not do anything for Halloween other than sit at home.
Sad.
Growing up and moving away from friends is a horrid trick that life plays on us. The treat side is that I get to pass out candy to the kids who show up at our apartment. I love to see how adorable they look in their little kid-sized bumble-bee costumes.
In other news, there is nothing exciting happening. I work. That is about it. I realized today as I left the house (in the DARK may I add) that when I come home tonight, it will be just as dark. This is a nasty trick that nature plays on us. Tonight I go from work here at IU over to my second job at the church and watch one of the kids until 9:00 tonight. This cuts into my reading/relaxing time, but when all is said and done, I get an extra paycheck at the end of each month (TREAT!).
P. will not be home for the second night in a row. He is doing a house/dog-sitting job for one of my co-workers while they are away in Chicago for a couple days. I do have to say that even though I am gone to work most of the time, when I AM home, the house is super-big and super-empty. There are, of course, the cats, but you know how cats are. They could care less whether you are around or not, as long as their food dish has food in it by 6:00pm.
Speaking of food, Max has taken to being a trash kitty again. For those who dont know, Max was found as a kitten by Kalamazoo Animal Control, covered in fleas, in a trashcan. Therefore, we call him a trash kitty. Well, you know what they say, "You can take the kitty out of the trash..." I entered the kitchen one morning this week to find that he had taken some chicken bones out of the trash and left them, lovingly, on our kitchen rug. Thanks, buddy. He just looked up at me and continued to rub on my legs as I picked up the garbage and put it away in the trash can.
I guess when you dont give your cats TREATS, they play TRICKS on you, and fetch their own treats.
Have a safe and fun Halloween, all!
Sad.
Growing up and moving away from friends is a horrid trick that life plays on us. The treat side is that I get to pass out candy to the kids who show up at our apartment. I love to see how adorable they look in their little kid-sized bumble-bee costumes.
In other news, there is nothing exciting happening. I work. That is about it. I realized today as I left the house (in the DARK may I add) that when I come home tonight, it will be just as dark. This is a nasty trick that nature plays on us. Tonight I go from work here at IU over to my second job at the church and watch one of the kids until 9:00 tonight. This cuts into my reading/relaxing time, but when all is said and done, I get an extra paycheck at the end of each month (TREAT!).
P. will not be home for the second night in a row. He is doing a house/dog-sitting job for one of my co-workers while they are away in Chicago for a couple days. I do have to say that even though I am gone to work most of the time, when I AM home, the house is super-big and super-empty. There are, of course, the cats, but you know how cats are. They could care less whether you are around or not, as long as their food dish has food in it by 6:00pm.
Speaking of food, Max has taken to being a trash kitty again. For those who dont know, Max was found as a kitten by Kalamazoo Animal Control, covered in fleas, in a trashcan. Therefore, we call him a trash kitty. Well, you know what they say, "You can take the kitty out of the trash..." I entered the kitchen one morning this week to find that he had taken some chicken bones out of the trash and left them, lovingly, on our kitchen rug. Thanks, buddy. He just looked up at me and continued to rub on my legs as I picked up the garbage and put it away in the trash can.
I guess when you dont give your cats TREATS, they play TRICKS on you, and fetch their own treats.
Have a safe and fun Halloween, all!
Monday, October 19, 2009
The thoughts no one hears...
"The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart."
Saint Jerome
church father & saint (374 AD - 419 AD)
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Saint Jerome
church father & saint (374 AD - 419 AD)
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Le Sigh
So. Open enrollment occurs next month for my university insurance. On a whim, and because I care about Peter's health, I inquired about health insurance coverage for opposite-sex domestic partners who are dependent on the employee's income (for survival... not kidding).
Here is their response:
"Domestic partnership benefits only apply to same sex couples, so unless you get married, you will not be able to add him to your benefits at this time."
That is it. That is all she wrote. REALLY? I have seriously just been discriminated against. I don't know why, but this makes me so angry, I want to punch someone.
What they are telling me, essentially, is "Get married or GET LOST."
This should NOT be the reason that we get married. Really. I understand why they have this policy, but I DO NOT agree with it. It leaves out all those individuals who either do not want to get married or, like us, cannot afford to get married right now.
UNFAIR.
There is my rant for the day.
Here is their response:
"Domestic partnership benefits only apply to same sex couples, so unless you get married, you will not be able to add him to your benefits at this time."
That is it. That is all she wrote. REALLY? I have seriously just been discriminated against. I don't know why, but this makes me so angry, I want to punch someone.
What they are telling me, essentially, is "Get married or GET LOST."
This should NOT be the reason that we get married. Really. I understand why they have this policy, but I DO NOT agree with it. It leaves out all those individuals who either do not want to get married or, like us, cannot afford to get married right now.
UNFAIR.
There is my rant for the day.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Seasons Change
Well, fall is here. P and I's 4 year anniversary has been gone now for some time (NO we are not engaged yet, stop asking), the temperature has dropped to an amazing 60-degrees, and the leaves have finally peaked this weekend. I LOVE fall!
With the seasons' change, not much else has changed. We still go about our daily lives, floating around endlessly working (or in P's case, studying), running errands, running in general, playing with the cats, reading, knitting, the usual.
Outside of the usual, I think that we have finally settled into a comfortable spot where we are both equally happy and... I am not sure "comfortable" is the right way to describe it, but we have reached a point where we know that no matter what, we are going to be there for each other.
No matter how much I fart or how much he burbs, we will be there. No matter what our monetary circumstances, beliefs, or actions, we will still be there. This is a good feeling.
Due to recent events, I have put a lot of thought into what it is exactly that makes us work so well together and I think that I have finally come to a sort of conclusion.
Mutual respect.
I fart or walk directly into a wall for no reason, he still respects me. He burps or leaves the cupboard doors open, I still respect him
There you go. The secret to our happy relationship.
Fall comes and the world around you changes, yet some things remain constant.
Now that I have been as "deep" as a lazy Saturday will allow me, let me just say how excited I am to carve a pumpkin and roast the seeds.
Bring it on, fall, I am ready for more.
With the seasons' change, not much else has changed. We still go about our daily lives, floating around endlessly working (or in P's case, studying), running errands, running in general, playing with the cats, reading, knitting, the usual.
Outside of the usual, I think that we have finally settled into a comfortable spot where we are both equally happy and... I am not sure "comfortable" is the right way to describe it, but we have reached a point where we know that no matter what, we are going to be there for each other.
No matter how much I fart or how much he burbs, we will be there. No matter what our monetary circumstances, beliefs, or actions, we will still be there. This is a good feeling.
Due to recent events, I have put a lot of thought into what it is exactly that makes us work so well together and I think that I have finally come to a sort of conclusion.
Mutual respect.
I fart or walk directly into a wall for no reason, he still respects me. He burps or leaves the cupboard doors open, I still respect him
There you go. The secret to our happy relationship.
Fall comes and the world around you changes, yet some things remain constant.
Now that I have been as "deep" as a lazy Saturday will allow me, let me just say how excited I am to carve a pumpkin and roast the seeds.
Bring it on, fall, I am ready for more.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Life as it is.
I am truly horrible about keeping this thing updated. Really. Why do I find it so hard?
Anyways, here is an update on my life as it stands currently.
I still live in Bloomington, IN and I still work for the University. The school year has started, which means that a TON of students come into the office every day and ask a (sometimes surprising) variety of strange questions. Some are relevant to what I actually do, most are not.
I am working on developing our Career Development class into an online form. That has been a challenge because my partner is the director of our office, so his time is limited... needless to say. I am hoping to launch the class in the spring, but lets not hold our breath on that one.
With the extra money I pulled in from working on that course, Peter and I have been working on gathering up some things that we have been wanting for our apartment for a while. I got him a 20-gallon aquarium for his b-day and we have been slowly adding to it. We are hoping to get a washer/dryer soon as well. It will be nice to not have to lug our stuff up a hill to the laundry room and hope that a pair of our undies does not fall to the ground unnoticed, only to lay there for a month before a squirrel takes it away to be nest-lining.
Our cats are doing well. Max has taken to laying in the middle of the floor with one paw over his chest like someone shot him and Sadie is still eating diet food... and complaining LOUDLY about it. Such is life. Sadie has ear-mites, but what can you expect when you spend 23.5 hours per day under a dusty bed?
Overall, life is pretty good.
I should note that I am puzzled over a random can of salted nuts that appeared on my desk when I stepped away for a few minutes. Random nuts??? How does that happen? When I figure it out, I will update you all. LOL
Anyways, here is an update on my life as it stands currently.
I still live in Bloomington, IN and I still work for the University. The school year has started, which means that a TON of students come into the office every day and ask a (sometimes surprising) variety of strange questions. Some are relevant to what I actually do, most are not.
I am working on developing our Career Development class into an online form. That has been a challenge because my partner is the director of our office, so his time is limited... needless to say. I am hoping to launch the class in the spring, but lets not hold our breath on that one.
With the extra money I pulled in from working on that course, Peter and I have been working on gathering up some things that we have been wanting for our apartment for a while. I got him a 20-gallon aquarium for his b-day and we have been slowly adding to it. We are hoping to get a washer/dryer soon as well. It will be nice to not have to lug our stuff up a hill to the laundry room and hope that a pair of our undies does not fall to the ground unnoticed, only to lay there for a month before a squirrel takes it away to be nest-lining.
Our cats are doing well. Max has taken to laying in the middle of the floor with one paw over his chest like someone shot him and Sadie is still eating diet food... and complaining LOUDLY about it. Such is life. Sadie has ear-mites, but what can you expect when you spend 23.5 hours per day under a dusty bed?
Overall, life is pretty good.
I should note that I am puzzled over a random can of salted nuts that appeared on my desk when I stepped away for a few minutes. Random nuts??? How does that happen? When I figure it out, I will update you all. LOL
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Morning
This morning, as usual, I walked the mile and a quarter to work. I love my walk to work. It is quiet and peaceful, there is no traffic (sorta), and it is cool and misty. Today it was raining. Not a big deal, I just grabbed my huge umbrella with the Mona Lisa on it and went out the door.
When I get to campus, I have to cross a little wooden bridge over a creek. In the creek lives a muskrat. Some mornings I see the muskrat. Other mornings, I don't. Depends on his mood I guess.
This morning, he was in the mood for a huge apple. Thats right. An apple. I saw him in the tall, unkempt grass trying to carry a huge apple in his mouth as he trundled his way back to his creek-home.
Ridiculous.
It got sillier as he spotted me and stopped. Like I could not see a muskrat with an apple in its mouth if he wasnt moving. Good grief.
Ahhh... mornings. Today muskrats, tomorrow, who knows?
When I get to campus, I have to cross a little wooden bridge over a creek. In the creek lives a muskrat. Some mornings I see the muskrat. Other mornings, I don't. Depends on his mood I guess.
This morning, he was in the mood for a huge apple. Thats right. An apple. I saw him in the tall, unkempt grass trying to carry a huge apple in his mouth as he trundled his way back to his creek-home.
Ridiculous.
It got sillier as he spotted me and stopped. Like I could not see a muskrat with an apple in its mouth if he wasnt moving. Good grief.
Ahhh... mornings. Today muskrats, tomorrow, who knows?
Friday, June 12, 2009
In which I try to get nice abs...
So for a while now, I have been trying to cut down on the flub that has been on my tummy since I was about... ooooohhh.... 2 years old.
I dont want 6-pack abs, I just want to look in the mirror and not ask WHY my tummy jiggles more than jello.
So, I have a three-pronged approach to this. First, I took up running (which I have to admit, I have been terrible about lately, but it's hard when you are not training for something specific), which caused rapid weight loss and what my co-worker dubbed "Runner's Abs." She defined this as when the sides of your stomach are toned, but the middle still jiggles a little. Okay, not a big deal, side toning was better than no-tone, which is what i had before.
In order to counter the middle-jiggle, I purchased 2 DVDs. Cardio Pilates -- I only do the pilates part, not the stupid cardio part, which reminds me of Sweatin' to the oldies -- and Kathy Smiths Flex Appeal, which is a belly dancing workout DVD. Both are great!!! I highly recommend. Here is what I dont get: According to Sparkpeople, where I log my food and training, tells me that I burn more carlories belly dancing than doing pilates. I dont break a sweat doing belly dancing, but I can tell you that I definitely break a sweat doing pilates!
Such is life. Nothing makes sense. I will keep you posted on how the 3-prong approach works.
I dont want 6-pack abs, I just want to look in the mirror and not ask WHY my tummy jiggles more than jello.
So, I have a three-pronged approach to this. First, I took up running (which I have to admit, I have been terrible about lately, but it's hard when you are not training for something specific), which caused rapid weight loss and what my co-worker dubbed "Runner's Abs." She defined this as when the sides of your stomach are toned, but the middle still jiggles a little. Okay, not a big deal, side toning was better than no-tone, which is what i had before.
In order to counter the middle-jiggle, I purchased 2 DVDs. Cardio Pilates -- I only do the pilates part, not the stupid cardio part, which reminds me of Sweatin' to the oldies -- and Kathy Smiths Flex Appeal, which is a belly dancing workout DVD. Both are great!!! I highly recommend. Here is what I dont get: According to Sparkpeople, where I log my food and training, tells me that I burn more carlories belly dancing than doing pilates. I dont break a sweat doing belly dancing, but I can tell you that I definitely break a sweat doing pilates!
Such is life. Nothing makes sense. I will keep you posted on how the 3-prong approach works.
Friday, May 15, 2009
In which I ponder a lily ...
We have a peace lily at work here. When I started working, the lily was in a black, dirty-looking plastic pot. Also, there were 4 lilies all together in the pot.
One day, I decided to take the poor lily home, separate them all out, and put them in their very own clay pots.
They all seem to be doing alright. However, one is ceaselessly droopy while the one on my desk looks like its frowning at me constantly. The Google-machine said that it will fully recover in no time, but that was a month ago!
Why does the lily hate me?
One day, I decided to take the poor lily home, separate them all out, and put them in their very own clay pots.
They all seem to be doing alright. However, one is ceaselessly droopy while the one on my desk looks like its frowning at me constantly. The Google-machine said that it will fully recover in no time, but that was a month ago!
Why does the lily hate me?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
In which I update you all on my status as a human being...
It seems like it has been quite a while since I posted anything (April 15th is a world away). I have a few updates.
Overall, fortune has been pretty good to me. Peter got a job at the Lilly Library for the summer, which means more money. Hooray! (My salary gets stretched pretty thin when covering two people) I also just got a brand new part-time job as a nursery caregiver at my church. Its only a few hours a week, but it will be doing something good for the community AND it will give me a little much-needed pocket change with which to buy some new clothes . Double-Hooray!
Also - I have been selected to develop our career development class for a spring online course. Sounds confusing, but it isnt really. What I am really pumped about is the professional development. I can always use a little more of that.
In other news, I am running my second 5K this Saturday. I am hoping to beat the time from my last 5K, but that will depend on how many hills there are along the way. LOL Training is going really well, though. I am finally up to running 3.25 miles straight with no slowing down, which is a HUGE improvement from running one mile then collapsing into a pile of asthmatic goo.
School is finally out for the students, so right now, there is a major exodus going on. Believe me, I am PUMPED about this. Finally, no more crowds at restaurants, stores, bars, etc. Just me, my BF, and the rest of the people in town who do not get a summer vacation.
Overall, fortune has been pretty good to me. Peter got a job at the Lilly Library for the summer, which means more money. Hooray! (My salary gets stretched pretty thin when covering two people) I also just got a brand new part-time job as a nursery caregiver at my church. Its only a few hours a week, but it will be doing something good for the community AND it will give me a little much-needed pocket change with which to buy some new clothes . Double-Hooray!
Also - I have been selected to develop our career development class for a spring online course. Sounds confusing, but it isnt really. What I am really pumped about is the professional development. I can always use a little more of that.
In other news, I am running my second 5K this Saturday. I am hoping to beat the time from my last 5K, but that will depend on how many hills there are along the way. LOL Training is going really well, though. I am finally up to running 3.25 miles straight with no slowing down, which is a HUGE improvement from running one mile then collapsing into a pile of asthmatic goo.
School is finally out for the students, so right now, there is a major exodus going on. Believe me, I am PUMPED about this. Finally, no more crowds at restaurants, stores, bars, etc. Just me, my BF, and the rest of the people in town who do not get a summer vacation.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
In which I ponder things that happen daily...
You would think that having a steady, full-time job would mean that pretty much every day is the same, right? WRONG!
Every day is the same routine, yes, but there are little things that shake up everyday. However, there are still things that happen every day that I always have to stop and wonder at. Here is a short list of my wonderments (for your reading pleasure):
- Why do people insist on standing in the side door of the bus, not attempt to move when the bus stops and people need to get off, then proceed to give you a ridiculously dirty look when you have to squeeze past them? Why?? I don't want to have to squeeze past anybody, and there is always more than enough room to sit down, out of the way of everyone else.
- Why do college girls (and older) think its a good idea to wear leggings as pants? Leggings as an accessory under a nice, LONG sweater or dress is a good idea. Exposing your ass-cellulite is NEVER a good idea.
- How do students get through class without their books? I would have floundered without taking my books to class. They must be super-smart.
- Why do students think its okay to walk into a dark office and ask questions? It is not 8:00am yet. I have not had coffee, and my computer is not on yet. Dark office = leave me alone. Most of the time, I do not even have my coat off and my purse put away yet.
- Why, in a building that houses an outstanding Environmental Science program, do the students now know how or CARE to recycle? How does that work? You study the environment, you are fully aware of humans' impact, yet you don't care?
- Why, when I go to run on the track, do I have to scrape my arms against the wall passing groups of 4 or more girls just walking at a leisurely pace? There is a walking lane. Stay in it. My arm hurts and I will punch you with it.
- Why does my cat squeak rather than meow? Its cute, but very concerning. He also has a never-ending fascination with reaching under our blankets and grabbing our feet with his claws. Fun for him, but does he ever get tired of the same game over and over?
- Why is my boyfriend so hot and awesome? I have no clue.
- What does my fish stare at me all day? How can I be that entertaining?
This, of course, is an abbreviated list. My other thoughts are even more dull than these, so I shall spare you.
Every day is the same routine, yes, but there are little things that shake up everyday. However, there are still things that happen every day that I always have to stop and wonder at. Here is a short list of my wonderments (for your reading pleasure):
- Why do people insist on standing in the side door of the bus, not attempt to move when the bus stops and people need to get off, then proceed to give you a ridiculously dirty look when you have to squeeze past them? Why?? I don't want to have to squeeze past anybody, and there is always more than enough room to sit down, out of the way of everyone else.
- Why do college girls (and older) think its a good idea to wear leggings as pants? Leggings as an accessory under a nice, LONG sweater or dress is a good idea. Exposing your ass-cellulite is NEVER a good idea.
- How do students get through class without their books? I would have floundered without taking my books to class. They must be super-smart.
- Why do students think its okay to walk into a dark office and ask questions? It is not 8:00am yet. I have not had coffee, and my computer is not on yet. Dark office = leave me alone. Most of the time, I do not even have my coat off and my purse put away yet.
- Why, in a building that houses an outstanding Environmental Science program, do the students now know how or CARE to recycle? How does that work? You study the environment, you are fully aware of humans' impact, yet you don't care?
- Why, when I go to run on the track, do I have to scrape my arms against the wall passing groups of 4 or more girls just walking at a leisurely pace? There is a walking lane. Stay in it. My arm hurts and I will punch you with it.
- Why does my cat squeak rather than meow? Its cute, but very concerning. He also has a never-ending fascination with reaching under our blankets and grabbing our feet with his claws. Fun for him, but does he ever get tired of the same game over and over?
- Why is my boyfriend so hot and awesome? I have no clue.
- What does my fish stare at me all day? How can I be that entertaining?
This, of course, is an abbreviated list. My other thoughts are even more dull than these, so I shall spare you.
Friday, April 10, 2009
In which I gave up cheese...
For those who are unaware, today is Good Friday. The day God sacrificed his only son on the cross for the forgiveness of all our mortal sins. On and on...
Well, for lent last year, Peter and I collectively gave up meat. That was, how shall I put it, HARD. You would think that giving up meat would have made us lose weight. No. We replaced meat with cheese and ended up gaining weight.
Anyways, this year, we didnt want to do the same thing again (we have decided to give up meat every OTHER year). So, I gave up cheese. Peter gave up soda.
Cheese was the hardest thing for me. I eat cheese with nearly every meal. I could eat JUST cheese and be happy! I am from MN, next to Wisconsin... it makes sense when you think about it. Anyways. Think about how many times per week you eat cheese. Its in EVERYTHING! Peter, since he cooks, gave up cheese as well, and we have not had any Mexican food (all cheesy), or pizza. AWFUL.
Here is the upside: I have lost 4 pounds. Granted, I was working out for a 5k, but still. That is a lot of fat that I was not eating.
To put it lightly, I CANNOT WAIT FOR EASTER! We are going to go to church and on the way home, pick up a pizza (with extra cheese) and a 2-liter of RC Cola.
This Sunday, dont try talking to me. My face will be full of cheese.
Well, for lent last year, Peter and I collectively gave up meat. That was, how shall I put it, HARD. You would think that giving up meat would have made us lose weight. No. We replaced meat with cheese and ended up gaining weight.
Anyways, this year, we didnt want to do the same thing again (we have decided to give up meat every OTHER year). So, I gave up cheese. Peter gave up soda.
Cheese was the hardest thing for me. I eat cheese with nearly every meal. I could eat JUST cheese and be happy! I am from MN, next to Wisconsin... it makes sense when you think about it. Anyways. Think about how many times per week you eat cheese. Its in EVERYTHING! Peter, since he cooks, gave up cheese as well, and we have not had any Mexican food (all cheesy), or pizza. AWFUL.
Here is the upside: I have lost 4 pounds. Granted, I was working out for a 5k, but still. That is a lot of fat that I was not eating.
To put it lightly, I CANNOT WAIT FOR EASTER! We are going to go to church and on the way home, pick up a pizza (with extra cheese) and a 2-liter of RC Cola.
This Sunday, dont try talking to me. My face will be full of cheese.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
End of the Semester Madness
Right now, we are wrapping up the final couple weeks of school, then students will either take summer courses, leave, or do internships. I get to handle the students doing internships. Its a good job and I actually get to deal with all new situations every day! Hooray! It keeps things interesting.
Anyways, while I am fielding internship questions, all I can think about is my nose. Yes, my nose. I have a cold sore on the inside of it. Or, I should say, i HAD a cold sore there. Now, it is just a healing wound. If you have never had one of these things, consider yourself lucky.
MY NOSE HURTS.
On top of that, it always feels like there is a bogie hanging out. Not even kidding. So, here I am, answering questions, reading and approving paperwork, check emails constantly, and rubbing my nose. All I can think about is the pain and the idea that someone may be staring at a nasty thing coming out of my nostril.
Sigh.
Even worse, its really dry at work, so my nose has the tendency to bleed also now. GREAT!
"OH! Hello really important CEO-type person! Welcome to SPEA!"
"Uhhh... you have blood running out of your nose."
Graaaaar!
Anyways, while I am fielding internship questions, all I can think about is my nose. Yes, my nose. I have a cold sore on the inside of it. Or, I should say, i HAD a cold sore there. Now, it is just a healing wound. If you have never had one of these things, consider yourself lucky.
MY NOSE HURTS.
On top of that, it always feels like there is a bogie hanging out. Not even kidding. So, here I am, answering questions, reading and approving paperwork, check emails constantly, and rubbing my nose. All I can think about is the pain and the idea that someone may be staring at a nasty thing coming out of my nostril.
Sigh.
Even worse, its really dry at work, so my nose has the tendency to bleed also now. GREAT!
"OH! Hello really important CEO-type person! Welcome to SPEA!"
"Uhhh... you have blood running out of your nose."
Graaaaar!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Training
One of my goals that I set at the start of the new year was to run a 5K. In late January, I registered for my first 5K and have been training ever since.
The 5K is this Saturday! My goal to run the entire thing without slowing will (hopefully) come to fruition! Hooray!
What I think I like best about this whole 5K/Mini Marathon (oh yes, someday I will get to 13 miles) is that not only is it good for me, but the registration money is going for a good cause. The IU Mini-Marathon/5K is the Circle of Life IU Mini. The money goes towards a scholarship fund for students who are cancer survivors.
Whenever it has seemed impossible to run that far without dying... (I have never, after all, been a runner... I actually despise it and stayed away from most physical activity until grad school...) I just think about the students who are pushing through school despite having cancer. That is more than I think I could handle.
The 5K is this Saturday! My goal to run the entire thing without slowing will (hopefully) come to fruition! Hooray!
What I think I like best about this whole 5K/Mini Marathon (oh yes, someday I will get to 13 miles) is that not only is it good for me, but the registration money is going for a good cause. The IU Mini-Marathon/5K is the Circle of Life IU Mini. The money goes towards a scholarship fund for students who are cancer survivors.
Whenever it has seemed impossible to run that far without dying... (I have never, after all, been a runner... I actually despise it and stayed away from most physical activity until grad school...) I just think about the students who are pushing through school despite having cancer. That is more than I think I could handle.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Speaking of News
Now, THIS is news.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7967575.stm
You know what I thought at first? Oh look! An old man with turned up coat collar! Then later in the article, the guy who took the pic refers to the face maybe an old woman wearing a ruff.
OMG.
Old woman? Really?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7967575.stm
You know what I thought at first? Oh look! An old man with turned up coat collar! Then later in the article, the guy who took the pic refers to the face maybe an old woman wearing a ruff.
OMG.
Old woman? Really?
See what happens?
It should come as no surprise to anyone that I do not like George Bush, the younger. Therefore, take a stab at who I voted for this election.
Well, I have been avoiding reading the news for a couple days, just because it depresses me. Well, I went to read news today and what do I find???
That's right. NON-NEWS.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090305/pl_politico/19663
WHAT IS THIS!?!?! WELL THANK YOU YAHOO!
Who cares about a teleprompter? That is not news!
You know what is worse??? I actually read it. Why? Why did I read it? Now I am just angry, disoriented, and confused (which is what, I am assuming, Yahoo had in mind when posting this "news").
Even worse than that?
I blogged about it.
Well, I have been avoiding reading the news for a couple days, just because it depresses me. Well, I went to read news today and what do I find???
That's right. NON-NEWS.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090305/pl_politico/19663
WHAT IS THIS!?!?! WELL THANK YOU YAHOO!
Who cares about a teleprompter? That is not news!
You know what is worse??? I actually read it. Why? Why did I read it? Now I am just angry, disoriented, and confused (which is what, I am assuming, Yahoo had in mind when posting this "news").
Even worse than that?
I blogged about it.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Islamic Book Arts
On Friday, I took a day off and went to an exhibit here at the art museum on campus. The exhibit was on Islamic Book Arts.
It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. There really is no professional way to put my reaction into one word, so that is as good as it will get, people.
They had everything from medieval texts from the beginnings of Islam all the way up to present works of art, one of which was a print from a campus artist that was a mirrored tulip done by marbling paper. I cannot even describe it.
I had seen gorgeous works of medieval genius in WMU's library collection, but the Lilly Library's collection, I am sorry (but also excited) to say, blew me away. The richness of the manuscripts they have is astounding. Just the covers of the books are enough to take your breath away. The pages were covered in Arabic text, which is beautiful in its own right, surrounded by delicate patterns and Persian designs. Some of the lines, you could tell, had been painted using a brush with just one or two hairs in it. If the book artist had simply exhaled incorrectly while working, his work would have been ruined! I had to wonder at one point what happened to the eyesight of the person who created the works?
There were also single leaves out of books with beautiful portraits of important people. One of them was so detailed that you could see each and every hair in his beard. It was almost creepy.
The Lilly Library also houses a collection of books published in the 1700s from one publisher that focuses on maps. The maps they had displayed were of the "New World." The differences in people's interpretation of the coasts of North and South America was comical but educational. One map showed California as an island, completely separate from N. America.
Most of the exhibition came from the Lilly Library. The Lilly received most (if not all) pieces from one or two donors. It is so exciting to me that someone spent all their lives collecting these things, then upon their death, rather than letting their kids (or grandkids) sell their collections, they had them donated to a large research library. If you saw these pieces, you would understand my excitement. These pieces belong to the public for viewing and research, they do not belong locked up in someones personal library, where only a few people can appreciate and enjoy them.
If you ever get the chance, you need to come down to the Lilly and take a look at what they have. Their collections are amazing!
It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. There really is no professional way to put my reaction into one word, so that is as good as it will get, people.
They had everything from medieval texts from the beginnings of Islam all the way up to present works of art, one of which was a print from a campus artist that was a mirrored tulip done by marbling paper. I cannot even describe it.
I had seen gorgeous works of medieval genius in WMU's library collection, but the Lilly Library's collection, I am sorry (but also excited) to say, blew me away. The richness of the manuscripts they have is astounding. Just the covers of the books are enough to take your breath away. The pages were covered in Arabic text, which is beautiful in its own right, surrounded by delicate patterns and Persian designs. Some of the lines, you could tell, had been painted using a brush with just one or two hairs in it. If the book artist had simply exhaled incorrectly while working, his work would have been ruined! I had to wonder at one point what happened to the eyesight of the person who created the works?
There were also single leaves out of books with beautiful portraits of important people. One of them was so detailed that you could see each and every hair in his beard. It was almost creepy.
The Lilly Library also houses a collection of books published in the 1700s from one publisher that focuses on maps. The maps they had displayed were of the "New World." The differences in people's interpretation of the coasts of North and South America was comical but educational. One map showed California as an island, completely separate from N. America.
Most of the exhibition came from the Lilly Library. The Lilly received most (if not all) pieces from one or two donors. It is so exciting to me that someone spent all their lives collecting these things, then upon their death, rather than letting their kids (or grandkids) sell their collections, they had them donated to a large research library. If you saw these pieces, you would understand my excitement. These pieces belong to the public for viewing and research, they do not belong locked up in someones personal library, where only a few people can appreciate and enjoy them.
If you ever get the chance, you need to come down to the Lilly and take a look at what they have. Their collections are amazing!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Good Old Days
So, my mom forwarded this to me and it reminded me of when my grandparents would talk about the "good old days." It definitely sounds like one of those, "Damn Young Whipper Snappers" things, but when you read it, its totally true!
My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense had served us all so well for so many generations.
Obituary:
Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long a go lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having
> cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself
from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
Author unknown
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Fridays are for...
Get this.
When you have a full-time job, there is this strange thing that happens. You earn what is called, "vacation time."
WHAT?
You mean to tell me that I can take a day off... not work... and...
GET PAID FOR IT.
Amazing.
So, because it is spring break and no one (and I mean no one - I have not seen a single student all day today) will miss me.
I am going to sleep in, eat a breakfast that will include bacon and eggs (a treat, I keep telling myself). Then I will go to campus, use a computer to pay a bill, and then *drumroll please* I am going with Peter to the art museum on campus. They are featuring an exhibition on Islamic Book Arts. I am PUMPED! Here is the website to check it out: http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/section.php?returnSection=special_exhibitions&navSection=current_exhibitions.
Yes, I realize it says it only runs until the 10th, but I read the Sunday paper and it was still going on for this week, so stop being a smarty pants.
After that, the world is my oyster. I may go get some more yarn to continue work on a blanket, but seriously, the day promises to be amazing.
When you have a full-time job, there is this strange thing that happens. You earn what is called, "vacation time."
WHAT?
You mean to tell me that I can take a day off... not work... and...
GET PAID FOR IT.
Amazing.
So, because it is spring break and no one (and I mean no one - I have not seen a single student all day today) will miss me.
I am going to sleep in, eat a breakfast that will include bacon and eggs (a treat, I keep telling myself). Then I will go to campus, use a computer to pay a bill, and then *drumroll please* I am going with Peter to the art museum on campus. They are featuring an exhibition on Islamic Book Arts. I am PUMPED! Here is the website to check it out: http://www.iub.edu/~iuam/section.php?returnSection=special_exhibitions&navSection=current_exhibitions.
Yes, I realize it says it only runs until the 10th, but I read the Sunday paper and it was still going on for this week, so stop being a smarty pants.
After that, the world is my oyster. I may go get some more yarn to continue work on a blanket, but seriously, the day promises to be amazing.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Power and Depression
No, I am not wanting power. And NO, I am not depressed. Read on.
I have been walking to work in the mornings, not just because the buses are running on a wacky schedule during spring break, but because it has been gorgeous out. I walk around 7:30 in the morning, so the sun is just beginning to rise over the trees, which washes the sky, trees, and everything around me in a really pretty pink and orange combo. Not only that, with the arrival of warmer weather, the bird population and literally exploded into song. At one point this morning, I had to stop, look around, and just listen. It took my breath away.
Yesterday, I decided to put my earbuds on and listen to my Ipod about half way to work. The song that came on was "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" by The Flaming Lips. For me, just listening to the lyrics brought on a wave of mixed emotion. Here they are, for those who have no idea what I am talking about:
If you could blow up the world
With the flick of a switch
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could make everybody poor
Just so you could be rich
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could watch everybody work
While you just lay on your back
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could take all the love
Without giving any back
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
And so we cannot know ourselves
Or what we'd really do
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?
(No no no no, no no no no)
If you could make your own money
And then give it to everybody
Would you do it?
(No no no no, no no no no)
If you knew all the answers
And could give to the masses
Would you do it?
(No no no no, no no no no)
Are you crazy?
It's a very dangerous thing to do
Exactly what you want
Because you cannot know yourself,
Or what you'd really do
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you
Do do do do, do do do do [x2]
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah) [x10]
ahhhhhhhhhh...... (from third yeah yeah line to the last one)
To me, this song epitomizes why our nation, and the entire world for that matter, is in the mess that it is. I am not going to lay blame at any one doorstep in particular. In my mind, we are ALL to blame. Even if you did nothing wrong in particular, the fact that we all remained as ignorant and silent as possible makes us just as guilty as the people on Wall Street, lawmakers, banks, etc.
Moving on.
In the end, there were those who wanted to "lay on their backs" and watch everyone else work, rake in the dough for not doing much, then give nothing back. Money just does not magically appear. But somehow, we all thought that we could keep making money magically appear without working for it and that we could borrow above our means. Yet we were told that was okay. Ouch.
This brought something else to mind. On Monday, I finally caught up on the anchor wars going on between John Stewart and CNBC. For those of you who have not seen those episodes, CHECK THEM OUT! They are hilarious!
Essentially, John was right. There are people who HAD the power to stop all this before it started did nothing. Why??? Out of greed. They saw money to be made and ran for it. They must be held accountable, just as we all should.
There is something to be learned here. I know I have learned the value of having a savings account rather than running up huge credit bills and student loans.
There is a mistake I will not make again any time soon. I, literally, cannot afford to make that mistake again.
I have been walking to work in the mornings, not just because the buses are running on a wacky schedule during spring break, but because it has been gorgeous out. I walk around 7:30 in the morning, so the sun is just beginning to rise over the trees, which washes the sky, trees, and everything around me in a really pretty pink and orange combo. Not only that, with the arrival of warmer weather, the bird population and literally exploded into song. At one point this morning, I had to stop, look around, and just listen. It took my breath away.
Yesterday, I decided to put my earbuds on and listen to my Ipod about half way to work. The song that came on was "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" by The Flaming Lips. For me, just listening to the lyrics brought on a wave of mixed emotion. Here they are, for those who have no idea what I am talking about:
If you could blow up the world
With the flick of a switch
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could make everybody poor
Just so you could be rich
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could watch everybody work
While you just lay on your back
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
If you could take all the love
Without giving any back
Would you do it?
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah)
And so we cannot know ourselves
Or what we'd really do
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?
(No no no no, no no no no)
If you could make your own money
And then give it to everybody
Would you do it?
(No no no no, no no no no)
If you knew all the answers
And could give to the masses
Would you do it?
(No no no no, no no no no)
Are you crazy?
It's a very dangerous thing to do
Exactly what you want
Because you cannot know yourself,
Or what you'd really do
With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you
Do do do do, do do do do [x2]
(Yeah yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah) [x10]
ahhhhhhhhhh...... (from third yeah yeah line to the last one)
To me, this song epitomizes why our nation, and the entire world for that matter, is in the mess that it is. I am not going to lay blame at any one doorstep in particular. In my mind, we are ALL to blame. Even if you did nothing wrong in particular, the fact that we all remained as ignorant and silent as possible makes us just as guilty as the people on Wall Street, lawmakers, banks, etc.
Moving on.
In the end, there were those who wanted to "lay on their backs" and watch everyone else work, rake in the dough for not doing much, then give nothing back. Money just does not magically appear. But somehow, we all thought that we could keep making money magically appear without working for it and that we could borrow above our means. Yet we were told that was okay. Ouch.
This brought something else to mind. On Monday, I finally caught up on the anchor wars going on between John Stewart and CNBC. For those of you who have not seen those episodes, CHECK THEM OUT! They are hilarious!
Essentially, John was right. There are people who HAD the power to stop all this before it started did nothing. Why??? Out of greed. They saw money to be made and ran for it. They must be held accountable, just as we all should.
There is something to be learned here. I know I have learned the value of having a savings account rather than running up huge credit bills and student loans.
There is a mistake I will not make again any time soon. I, literally, cannot afford to make that mistake again.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to View from the Bottom!
There are many reasons why I created this blog. Not so that you are confused, though, I did not create it to impart great wisdom on anyone. Seriously. Great wisdom??? From me? Hilarious.
I love to comment (i.e. spread my awesome opinion) on social events of various kinds; news stories, environmental affairs, and politics mainly. I also love to comment on trends (really only those that bother me) and things that have happened to me during the day, so prepare yourself.
In the end, you are reading the thoughts of a 26-year-old living and working in Bloomington, IN at the University. I have lived in many different places, done many different things, and live under the delusion that everyone cares A LOT about what is going on in my life.
More to come soon...
There are many reasons why I created this blog. Not so that you are confused, though, I did not create it to impart great wisdom on anyone. Seriously. Great wisdom??? From me? Hilarious.
I love to comment (i.e. spread my awesome opinion) on social events of various kinds; news stories, environmental affairs, and politics mainly. I also love to comment on trends (really only those that bother me) and things that have happened to me during the day, so prepare yourself.
In the end, you are reading the thoughts of a 26-year-old living and working in Bloomington, IN at the University. I have lived in many different places, done many different things, and live under the delusion that everyone cares A LOT about what is going on in my life.
More to come soon...
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